Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on 20 May for an official visit to Italy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday. The visit marks the final leg of Modi's five-nation tour and is aimed at deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, clean energy, and multilateral cooperation.

A Warm Welcome in Rome

Modi was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani of Italy. He is scheduled to call on President Sergio Mattarella and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In a post on X, Modi wrote: 'Landed in Rome, Italy. I will be meeting President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and holding discussions with them. This visit will focus on how to boost India-Italy cooperation, especially focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 will also be reviewed. I will also be visiting the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and strengthening India's commitment to multilateralism as well as global food security.'

IMEC and the Joint Strategic Action Plan

A central focus of the visit is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic connectivity initiative that positions Italy as a key European gateway. The two sides are also set to review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, a comprehensive bilateral road map spanning trade, investment, defence and security, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative foreign direct investment stood at USD 3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025, according to the MEA.

EU Free Trade Agreement Adds New Weight

The visit comes shortly after the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which the MEA noted last week would lend fresh impetus to trade and investment ties across Europe. Italy, as one of the EU's largest economies, is expected to be an early beneficiary of the pact's provisions.

Notably, this is Modi's first standalone bilateral visit to Italy since he attended the G7 Summit in the country in June 2024. The upgrade in diplomatic engagement — from a multilateral sideline to a dedicated bilateral — signals a deliberate elevation of the relationship.

FAO Visit and Multilateral Commitments

Beyond bilateral meetings, Modi is scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, reinforcing India's stated commitment to multilateralism and global food security. India has historically been among the FAO's largest contributors of foodgrain aid to developing nations.

Context: Five-Nation Tour

The Rome leg follows Modi's participation in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Norway, concluded earlier on Tuesday. The five-nation tour reflects India's intensified diplomatic outreach to Europe at a moment when geopolitical realignments — including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and shifting US trade postures — are redrawing the continent's strategic partnerships. All eyes will now be on the joint statements and deliverables expected from the Meloni talks.